3-003-862 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

"The Eagle's Nest", by Sir E. Landseer in the South Kensington Museum, 1861. Engraving from a painting. 'In this grand picture Sir E. Landseer gives a panoramic view of the rocky heights the abode of the golden eagle, below the silent solitude of the primeval lake. The nest of this species of eagle consists usually of a large mass of sticks and other similar materials carried to the spot from a distance, and covering some chasm in the ledge of the rock. In the composition before us the female eagle is sitting near the nest, screaming in recognition to her mate, which is darting homewards after a foray. The eye is skilfully carried up to this dizzy height by a gleam of light falling on the bold head of the rock, near the midst of the picture, which afterwards glances down upon the wing of the female eagle. This fine picture, so poetic and imposing in its very simplicity, was exhibited at the British Institution in 1834. It forms part of the collection of works of modern British Artists presented to the nation by Mr. Sheepshanks, and exhibited at the South Kensington Museum'. From "Illustrated London News", 1861.